Orange Loaf – Bright, Moist & Citrusy!
This delightful Orange Loaf is bursting with fresh citrus flavor, soft crumb, and a sweet orange glaze that soaks right in for extra moisture and zing.
It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
The fresh orange juice and zest make each bite taste like sunshine, and the optional walnuts add a lovely crunch.
Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this loaf is a wonderful way to bring a bit of brightness to any day!
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
½ cups chopped walnuts (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar
½ cups butter or margarine
2 large egg
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
¼ cup white sugar
INSTRUCTIONS:
-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×5 inch pan.
Combine flour, baking powder, nuts and salt in a bowl.
Beat 1 cup sugar and butter in a large bowl until smooth; Beat the eggs one by one.
Mix 1/2 cup orange juice and orange zest.
Pour in flour mixture, and stir transfer into prepared loaf pan.
-Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the bread comes out.
Remove the loaf from the oven, but do not remove it from the pan.
-Combine 1/2 cup orange juice and 1/4 cup sugar in a small saucepan.
Heat and stir to dissolve the sugar. Spoon glaze over hot loaf.
Let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to cool.
How to Store Orange Loaf
Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Refrigerate: For a longer shelf life, keep the loaf wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–6 days.
Let it come to room temperature or gently warm a slice before serving for the best flavor.
Freeze: This loaf freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw at room temperature, still wrapped, to keep it moist.
Variations and Tips
Variations:
Add a Citrus Twist: Swap some or all of the orange juice and zest with lemon or lime for a different bright flavor.
Extra Nutty: Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts, or leave the nuts out entirely for a smooth loaf.
Add a Sweet Touch: Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries or golden raisins for bursts of sweetness that pair beautifully with orange.
Make it Dessert: Drizzle with an easy orange icing instead of the glaze — just mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice until pourable.
Mini Loaves or Muffins: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins for individual treats. Adjust baking time — about 20–25 minutes for muffins.
✅ Tips for Success:
Use Fresh Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh zest really make a difference in flavor — avoid bottled juice if you can!
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the loaf tender and fluffy.
Check Early: Oven temperatures can vary — check for doneness at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Glaze While Warm: Pour the glaze over the loaf while it’s hot so it soaks in perfectly.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 12 slices)
Calories: ~250 kcal
Total Fat: ~11g
Saturated Fat: ~5g
Cholesterol: ~50mg
Sodium: ~220mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~35g
Sugars: ~20g
Protein: ~4g
Fiber: ~1g
Note: This is an estimate and will vary depending on whether you add walnuts, use butter or margarine, and the exact size of your slices.